Dangerous Goods Driver

Regulators
  • Department for Transport
Nations
  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
Sectors
  • Transport

Regulatory or professional bodies

Primary regulator

Regulatory authority
Department for Transport
Address

Road Freight Regulation Division
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR

Phone number
+44 (0)207 944 2251

Regulation

Regulation summary

Drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods must have of obtained an ADR Driver Training Certificate and have it in their possession when driving.

These certificates take the form of a photocard with certain security features. See the link below for an example of GB-issued certificate.

This certificate must have been issued by the competent authority or an appointed body. DfT has appointed the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as its agent.

The current international regulation containing this requirement is the Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). See Chapter 8.2 of this agreement for full details on ADR driver training, examinations and certification.

The current national legislation containing this requirement is the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009.

Regulation type

Certification

Reserved activities

Only drivers who hold and are in possession of an ADR Driver Training Certificate can legally drive a transport unit carrying dangerous goods.

Certificates are limited in scope in terms of the types of dangerous goods (i.e. classes) and also the type of vehicle (i.e. tanks). These entitlements are outlined in the content of the certificate.

More about regulated activities and titles
https://www.dgdrivertraining.org.uk/DGDT/Candidate/Your-Certificate

Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

To become qualified, you must attend a dangerous goods driver training course. This training course must be approved by SQA on DfT's behalf.

You must have also passed an examination set and marked by SQA at an approved examination centre.

The course and examinations must cover the relevant types (e.g. classes) of dangerous goods and type of vehicle (e.g. tanks) planned for transport.

An ADR Driver Training Certificate remains valid for 5 years from the date the driver passes the relevant examinations and must be renewed every 5 years.

Newcomers to dangerous goods driving must undertake an initial training course. Drivers who already hold a valid certificate can undertake refresher training, provided they do not allow their certificate to expire before they undertake the relevant training and successfully pass the necessary examinations.

Professionals from other UK nations

Routes to recognition within the UK

Separate but similar legislation has been made available in Northern Ireland, known as the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSE NI) are the Regulator within Northern Ireland.

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
Some - qualifications from some countries may be recognised, but professionals from other countries will have to re-qualify
Summary of routes

ADR is an international agreement, therefore many countries across the globe are signed up to this agreement.

ADR Driver Training Certificates are mutually recognised by all contracting parties, namely in countries which are signatories ADR. The requirements are harmonised between all states and are specified within Chapter 8.2 of ADR.

However, the routes to becoming an ADR driver may differ from country to country, depending on how that country interprets the international regulations or due to national legislation.

To learn more about ADR driver training, examinations and certification within these other countries, please contact the relevant responsible authority using the list of contact details linked below.

More about recognition for professionals outside the UK
https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods/competent-authorities

Registration

Registration requirements

Before being permitted to run courses leading to the issue of an ADR Driver Training Certificate approved by the Department, all approved training providers must hold a Notice of Approval issued by the Department.

The Department, working with its appointed Agent, SQA, has applied a number of standards to applicants for approval under these Regulations, and has developed arrangements to ensure that these standards continue to be maintained by providers.


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

The Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) as amended

Website link to legislation
https://unece.org/about-adr
Title of relevant act or charter

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG Regs)

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.